MSA is looking for applications for its Public Policy and Advocacy Fellowships! These new fellowships provide support (covering registration, travel, and housing) for two MSA members to attend the AIBS annual Communications Bootcamp for Scientists and Congressional Visits Day to take place in April 2027 (date TBD) in Washington D.C. This will be a 3-day commitment where participants will learn how to engage and inform decision-makers and meet with members of Congress to emphasize the important role the federal government plays in supporting the biological sciences.
Selections will be made by the MSA Public Policy and Advocacy ad hoc Committee (PPAC), and preference will be given to graduate students/postdocs and junior faculty. Applications consist of a 2-page CV and a 1-page statement of the candidate’s proposed MSA advocacy plan, an outline of priorities and activities designed to advance the MSA PPAC’s duties as described below. Applicants should send a single PDF file with their application documents to info@msa.org by December 1st 2026. Selected applicants that attend the bootcamp and visit Congress will be considered to join the MSA PPAC.
Mycological Society of America’s Public Policy and Advocacy ad hoc Committee
Purpose: To monitor, and respond to, and anticipate public policy issues affecting mycology, fungal biodiversity, research funding, collections, education, and related matters; to develop advocacy initiatives on behalf of the Society; and to engage with policymakers, partner organizations, funding agencies, and the public on issues relevant to the fungal sciences.
Duties of the Committee:
- Policy Analysis: Monitor and review pending legislation, regulations, federal research budgets, funding priorities, and public policies to assess their potential impact on the MSA, its members, and the broader mycological community. This includes close communication with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and staying informed about its policy initiatives and advocacy campaigns.
- Recommendation and Advising: Craft policy statements, position papers, and recommendations on issues relevant to mycology. Advise the MSA leadership on policy priorities and advocacy strategies, and submit proposed official statements and positions for leadership review and approval before public dissemination on behalf of the Society.
- Government Relations: Build relationships with elected officials, lawmakers, and government agencies to communicate the MSA’s core priorities.
- Member Education and Engagement: Inform MSA members about key policy developments (for example, by publishing articles in Inoculum); request applications and select two candidates per year (preference for one student and one early- or mid- career mycologist) for the AIBS annual Communications Bootcamp for Scientists and Congressional Visits Day. The MSA Vice President and one committee member will join the selected candidates in attending the event and should designate a proxy if unavailable.
- Advocacy Mobilization: Coordinate campaigns, write position papers, and mobilize membership through legislative action alerts.
- The Chair, in consultation with the Committee, will prepare mid-year and annual reports that will serve as archives of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
- Funding Agency Relations and Strategic Partnerships: Engage with funding agencies (e.g., NSF, USDA, NIH) and partner organizations (e.g., APS, ESA, BSA) to advocate for support of mycological research, education, and conservation, and coordinate collaborative initiatives that advance shared priorities and strengthen the MSA’s advocacy efforts
